The history of Baron de Hirsch – Back River Cemeteries is deeply intertwined with the history of Montreal's Jewish community. The Baron de Hirsch Cemetery was established in 1905 to serve the burial needs of a rapidly growing Jewish population and has since become the final resting place of tens of thousands of community members who helped shape Jewish life in Montreal and beyond. The Back River Memorial Gardens Cemetery, dating to the late 1800s, is one of Montreal's oldest Jewish cemeteries and stands as an important testament to the city's Jewish heritage.

 

In 1972, the Baron de Hirsch Corporation was established to provide governance, oversight, and stewardship for the Baron de Hirsch Cemetery. For five decades, dedicated volunteer leaders guided the organization, ensuring that the cemetery remained financially sound, well maintained, and true to its sacred mission.

 

A significant milestone occurred in 2012 when the Back River Memorial Gardens Cemetery joined with the Baron de Hirsch Cemetery. This merger brought together two historic institutions under a single organization, ensuring the long-term preservation and maintenance of both cemeteries for future generations. Following this union, the organization became known as Baron de Hirsch – Back River Cemeteries Inc.

 

Since 1972, the organization has been guided by dedicated community leaders whose vision, commitment, and service have ensured that our cemeteries remain places of dignity, remembrance, and respect. The continued strength of Baron de Hirsch – Back River Cemeteries Inc. is a testament to the leadership of those who served before us. Through their collective efforts, they have safeguarded our traditions, strengthened our institution, and upheld the sacred responsibility entrusted to us by the Quebec Jewish community.

 

Marvin Cohen
Steve Tabac

David Silverman

Herbert Isenberg

Jacques Berkowitz
Sol Bultz
Morton Beutel

Robert Hecht

Seymour Frank

William Drori

Harvey Elman

Martin Brook

Julius Erdstein
Richard Uditsky

Howard Sterling
Mitch Shiller

Donald S. Davis

Alex Kestenbaum

 

Each president brought unique talents and perspectives while sharing a common commitment to preserving the integrity of our cemeteries and serving the needs of the community with compassion and foresight.

 

 

The history of Baron de Hirsch – Back River Cemeteries is also marked by the dedication of individuals who, while not serving as President, devoted decades of exceptional service to the organization and played critical roles in its success.

 

 

 

Stephen Schecter provided distinguished long-term service as Treasurer and Financial steward of the Baron de Hirsch - Bakc River Cemeteries Inc . Through his careful management, sound financial judgment, and unwavering dedication, he helped establish and maintain the strong financial foundation upon which the organization continues to operate today.

 

 

The leaders who have guided Baron de Hirsch – Back River Cemeteries since 1972 have shared a common purpose: to honour those who came before us while ensuring that future generations will continue to have a place of remembrance rooted in Jewish tradition and community values.

 

We express our sincere gratitude to these individuals for their dedication, leadership, and lasting contributions. Their legacy continues to inspire our work and strengthen our commitment to serving the Montreal Jewish community.